Joe’s Health Calendar April 30

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Valley Fever Lectures Bring Attention to ‘Silent Epidemic’

Valley fever, described as a “silent epidemic” by the Centers for Disease Control, will be explored through a series of wide-ranging talks at the University of California, Merced. Lectures will be held through May. Ten will be presented on the university campus. One will be presented remotely by the founder of www.valleyfeversurvivor.com and one presentation will be held at the UCSF Fresno Center for Medical Education and Research. “The aim of the lecture series is to raise awareness of a largely silent disease that has a significant impact on the San Joaquin Valley,” said Professor Paul Brown, director of the campus’s Health Sciences Research Institute. “Great strides are needed to enhance prevention, detection and treatment. UC Merced is committed to developing a collaborative approach to respond to this regional ailment.” Researchers estimate that each year, more than 150,000 people are infected by Coccidioides, the fungus that causes valley fever, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Infection occurs when microscopic fungal spores are inhaled. Most people who are infected do not show symptoms, while others may experience flu-like symptoms that last from weeks to months. Severe cases can even result in death. The fungus is commonly found in the Southwest, particularly Arizona and California, including the San Joaquin Valley. Lectures are free and open to the public. People unable to attend in person can watch as the discussions are streamed online, and will be available online afterward, too. Attendees can register online or contact Erin Gaab at egaab@ucmerced.edu or (209) 228-4803for streaming details and for more information:

The lecture series, funded in part by Sierra Health Foundation, is the next step in an effort led by the UC Merced Health Sciences Research Institute aimed at combating valley fever. In November 2013, UC Merced, UCSF Fresno Medical Education Program and California State University, Fresno’s Central California Center for Health and Human Services held a “Valley Fever Research Day” to determine research priorities and public service needs related to valley fever. Because valley fever is a rare disease outside the Southwest, it does not attract sufficient research funding. More than 40 percent of people infected with valley fever have symptoms. Many of those infected with valley fever are sick without knowing why or without being diagnosed. HSRI is developing a consortium to increase awareness about the disease and to improve detection and treatment through research, clinical care and community outreach. Partners include UCSF Fresno, Fresno State, Community Medical Centers, Children’s Hospital Central California, the public health departments in the eight counties that make up the San Joaquin Valley and community organizations serving or working with people most at risk for valley fever.

CareVan Offers Free Mobile Health Clinic

St. Joseph’s Medical Center CareVan offers a free health clinic for low-income and no-insurance individuals or families, 16 years old and older. Mobile health care services will be available to handle most minor urgent health care needs such as mild burns, bumps, abrasions, sprains, sinus and urinary tract infections, cold and flu. Clinics do not offer chronic care services such as high blood pressure and diabetes, unless noted. No narcotics prescriptions will be available. Information: (209) 461-3471 or www.StJosephsCares.org/Carevan. Clinic schedule is subject to change without notice. Walk-In appointments are available.

Early Childhood Parenting Made Fun

May 1 (Thursday, and following four Thursdays) 6 to 8 p.m.: Manteca Seventh-day Adventist Church, 525 S. Union Road, Manteca, is serving as the independent facilitator of the Love and Logic Early Childhood Parenting Made Fun curriculum on five Thursdays in May. The free program is sponsored by First 5 San Joaquin Faith-Based Community Initiative. Parents can expect to learn practical skills to use immediately on: how to handle disruptions during meal times; how to get children to stay in their own bed; how to end temper tantrums; ways to discipline a toddler in public without creating a scene; how to get children up and about in the mornings; how to stop whining and bickering; and many other day-to-day parenting challenges. The programs will be conducted by Pastor Bruce and Coreena Blum. Information and registration for the free classes: (209) 239-1706.

Photo-Voice Project for Youth: Earn Up to $500

Deadline to apply May 2 (Friday): Do you want to make a change? The youth voice needs to be heard.What are you waiting for? It’s time to lead the change. Join the Anti-Obesity Krew (A-OK) in working with the San Joaquin REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health) Project to advance policies with organizations and churches that serve the African American community in San Joaquin County. The focus of this project will be on increasing physical activity, creating safe routes to school, and communicating those messages to elected leaders. This is for youth between 16 and 20 years old. To learn more, contact LaCresia Hawkins at (209) 466-7000 or come by the California Center for Public Health Advocacy, 401 N. San Joaquin St., Suite 114, Stockton before the deadline.

Free Hygeia Health Fair

May 4 (Sunday) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Lambda Kappa Sigma’s 3rd Annual Hygeia Health Fair is open to the public and free of charge. We will have a mixture of educational booths as well as screening booths. The screenings we will administer for free are: lung screening, bone mineral density screening, glucose screening, blood pressure and cholesterol, anemia, and heartburn screenings. This third annual event will be at First Baptist Church, 3535 N. El Dorado St., Stockton. Lambda Kappa Sigma is an international professional pharmacy fraternity of women affiliated with the University of the Pacific Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Free Family Health and Wellness Fair

May 4 (Sunday) 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: A free Family Health and Wellness Fair with medical, vision and dental screenings sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Stockton will be held at St. Stanislaus Community Center, 1416 Maze Blvd., Modesto. Learn more about Cal-Fresh, Covered California, immigration legal services and counseling services.

What You Need to Know About Your Risk for Dementia

May 8 (Thursday) 6 to 7 p.m.: UC Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Center Director Charles DeCarli will discuss “Your aging genes: What you need to know about your risk for dementia” during the Community Discovery Lecture Series in the UC Davis MIND Institute, 2825 50th St., Sacramento. Genetic causes and genetic risk of brain aging can be complicated. DeCarli’s presentation will introduce the audience to some simple genetic concepts and how they might help understand how genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease is determined. DeCarli holds the Victor and Genvieve Orsi Chair in Alzheimer’s Research. He is a behavioral neurologist whose research is focused on using advanced brain imaging to study dementia and the role of genetics, cerebrovascular and Alzheimer’s diseases on the aging brain. The Community Lecture Series is supported by Eskaton, Norwood Pines Alzheimer’s Care Center, Sunrise Senior Living and Primrose. The event is free and open to the public. For further information or to RSVP, please contact Jayne LaGrande, (916) 734-5728, or visit the UC Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Center on Facebook. The UC Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Center is one of only 27 research centers designated by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging. The center’s goal is to translate research advances into improved diagnosis and treatment for patients while focusing on the long-term goal of finding a way to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease. Also funded by the state of California, the center allows researchers to study the effects of the disease on a uniquely diverse population. For more information, visit alzheimer.ucdavis.edu.

Learn Healthy Ways on Thirsty Thursdays

Health Plan of San Joaquin sponsors Thirsty Thursday classes to provide healthy ways to satisfy your thirst for knowledge. “We provide the beverage, you provide the interest.” All classes are free and held from noon to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch or enjoy healthy snacks and beverages provided by HPSJ. Information and registration: (209) 461-2259. Register early and receive a free gift. Spanish interpreter available.

May 8: Women’s Health – Do you feel tired? Do you want more energy to tackle your overwhelming day with work, kids and daily stresses? Join us to learn how you can enhance your health and well-being. Health Plan of San Joaquin, 7751 S. Manthey Road, French Camp.

May 15: Women’s Health – Do you feel tired? Do you want more energy to tackle your overwhelming day with work, kids and daily stresses? Join us to learn how you can enhance your health and well-being. Health Plan of San Joaquin, 1012 10th St., Modesto. Free parking with validation in 11th Street Garage.

June 12: Men’s Health – Have unwanted belly fat? Feeling tired? Concerned about your health? Let us help you get in shape. Find out how to improve your quality of life. Health Plan of San Joaquin, 7751 S. Manthey Road, French Camp.

June 19: Men’s Health – Have unwanted belly fat? Feeling tired? Concerned about your health? Let us help you get in shape. Find out how to improve your quality of life. Health Plan of San Joaquin, 1012 10th St., Modesto. Free parking with validation in 11th Street Garage.

San Joaquin County Health Forum

Registration deadline May 9 (Friday) for May 17 (Saturday) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. event: The County Health Forum: Connecting the Community for a Healthier Tomorrow! will be held at the Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium, 525 N. Center St., Stockton. The forum will empower parents and their children who are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-ED) to create a healthy environment. The goal of the forum is to increase the consumption and access to healthy foods and beverages and promote physical activity to prevent obesity. There will be fun, interactive activities and inspirational speakers, healthy food and physical activity demonstrations. There will also be health screenings, health information and insurance enrollment assisters. The well-known speakers include Manuel Scott, an Original Freedom Writer; Michael Marks, Your Produce Man; and Nikki Shaw, The Sensible Chef and radio host of Today’s Flavor. Lunch will be provided, but preregistration is required. Click here for registration or click here for more information or call (209) 468-8637.

Research Updates on Alzheimer’s Disease

May 13 (Tuesday) 6:45 to 8:15 p.m.: Get a brief overview of Alzheimer’s disease, based on the current research. Understand diagnosis and treatment options. Discuss the importance of risk education and early detection. Learn the latest on drug studies and other research trials. Identify ways to take part in clinical trials. This free event, hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, will be at O’Connor Woods West Hall Auditorium, 3400 Wagner Heights Road, Stockton. Information: Nicole McPherson at (209) 956-3402. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association at (800) 272-3900.

Awards Breakfast Hosted by Healthy San Joaquin Collaborative

May 14 (Wednesday) 8:30 to 11 a.m.: The Healthy San Joaquin Collaborative will be hosting its third Awards and Recognition Breakfast(read more here) to honor those who have made a healthy difference in our community and recognizing the individual, group or organization that have contributed time, energy or support that promote and encourage nutrition and/or physical activity in San Joaquin County. Please join us at the Robert J. Cabral Agricultural Center, 2101 E. Earhart Ave., Stockton. RSVP required at http://ucanr.org/hsjawards/reg.

New Approaches to Overcoming Breastfeeding Challenges

May 16 (Friday) 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.: The Breastfeeding Coalition of San Joaquin County presents its 2014 Conference at the Hilton Stockton, 2323 Grand Canal Blvd., Stockton: Obesity, Depression and Birth Trauma: New Approaches to Overcoming Breastfeeding Challenges featuring Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, PhD, IBCLC, FAPA. This year’s conference will be GREEN! All presentation handouts and materials will be available electronically for you to print and bring to the conference or access on your electronic devices. Continuing Education: Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #001354 for 6.0 contact hours. 3.34 L-CERPs and 2.5 R-CERPs have been allocated by IBLCE. Approval #C1331991. Please note that you must attend the entire conference to be eligible to receive continuing education credits. No certificates will be issued for partial attendance. Registration fees: Early Bird (by April 15) – $129; Regular (April 16 – May 16) – $139. Cancellations: Only cancellations received in writing before 5/9/14 will be granted a full refund. No refunds provided after 5/9/14.Register here.

San Joaquin County Health Forum

Registration deadline May 9 (Friday) for May 17 (Saturday) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. event: The County Health Forum: Connecting the Community for a Healthier Tomorrow! will be held at the Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium, 525 N. Center St., Stockton. The forum will empower parents and their children who are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-ED) to create a healthy environment. The goal of the forum is to increase the consumption and access to healthy foods and beverages and promote physical activity to prevent obesity. There will be fun, interactive activities and inspirational speakers, healthy food and physical activity demonstrations. There will also be health screenings, health information and insurance enrollment assisters. The well-known speakers include Manuel Scott, an Original Freedom Writer; Michael Marks, Your Produce Man; and Nikki Shaw, The Sensible Chef and radio host of Today’s Flavor. Lunch will be provided, but preregistration is required. Click here for registration or click here for more information or call (209) 468-8637.

CHP Conducting Bicycle Traffic Safety Clinic

May 17 (Saturday) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Whether walking, bicycling or operating a motor vehicle, the California Highway Patrol wants the public to be safe on the roadways. The CHP Valley Division Stockton Area will be conducting a bicyclist traffic safety event/skills clinic at New Hope School, 26675 N. Sacramento Blvd., Thornton, to educate the public in the right-of-way laws for bicyclists on the roadway and provide safety tips in how to safely ride a bicycle. The focus of the safety event is to remind motorists and bicyclists of the importance to share the road. We want to remind bicyclists to wear a helmet for every ride, use lights at night, travel in the same direction as traffic, and obey all traffic signs and signals. Through enforcement and education we hope the traffic safety event/skills clinic will help save lives in the future. Statewide, in 2011, CHP data indicates bicyclists accounted for roughly 5 percent of the 2,835 people killed in traffic collisions. Statistics also show, that same year, another 13,606 bicyclists were injured in a collision.

ER Wait Watcher: Which ER Will See You the Fastest?

Heading to the emergency room? ProPublica provides a great tool to help. You may wait a while before a doctor or other treating professional sees you — and the hospital nearest to you might not be the one that sees you the fastest. Click here to look up average ER wait times, as reported by hospitals to the federal government, as well as the time it takes to get there in current traffic, as reported by Google.

NEWS

Measles Outbreaks Prompt Travel and Vaccine Reminders

When planning for future international travel, make sure to include plans for keeping you and your family healthy. Your need for travel vaccinations depends on your immunization history, your health status, the specific areas you plan to visit, the time of year, and whether any outbreaks of disease have recently occurred. Many vaccine-preventable diseases, now rarely seen in the United States, are still common in other parts of the world. Getting vaccinated before you travel is the best and easy way to protect yourself and your loved ones against serious diseases such as tetanus, hepatitis, meningitis, rabies, yellow fever, typhoid fever and measles. Since many vaccines take time to provide full protection and some vaccines must be given in a series that can take several days or weeks, try to schedule a doctor’s visit 4-6 weeks before your trip. Review your family’s vaccination history to make sure everyone is up-to-date on their routine vaccinations, including Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A and Polio, as well as any required or recommended vaccines for travel to other countries. Currently in California, measles is a growing health concern related to international travel. The latest report from the California Department of Public Health confirmed 51 measles cases so far this year as of April 7 (none in San Joaquin County), compared with just four reported by this time last year. Measles remains a common, serious and highly contagious disease in many parts of the world, including the Philippines, India and other areas in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year, measles infects about 20 million people and kills about 164,000 people worldwide; and 100,000 of these deaths are children. Anyone traveling overseas may be exposed to measles and could become ill if they have never had measles or have not been properly vaccinated. Measles can come into the U.S. easily through infected visitors or through those returning to the U.S. from international travel. Infected individuals can spread the disease and spark outbreaks among pockets of unvaccinated people in the U.S., including infants and young children. If you are in an airport, airplane, train, bus or other mass transit vehicle, other people can expose you to the disease. Measles is spread by contact with an infected person, through coughing and sneezing. After an infected person leaves a location, the virus remains contagious for up to 2 hours on surfaces and in the air. Infected individuals are generally contagious four days before and four days after a rash first appears. Click here for information.

Funding for Street Outreach Programs

May 12 deadline: The Family and Youth Services Bureau is now accepting applications for the Street Outreach Program. The Street Outreach Program funds organizations that provide street-based services to runaway, homeless and street youth who have been subjected to, or are at risk of being subjected to, sexual abuse, prostitution or sexual exploitation. These services, which are provided in areas where street youth congregate, are designed to assist youth in making healthy choices and ultimately help them leave the streets. Read the funding opportunity announcement.

Diabetes Resources in San Joaquin County

Diabetes is a costly disease, both in terms of people’s health and well-being, and in terms of dollars spent on treatment, medications and lost days at work and school. San Joaquin County annually accounts for among the worst death rates from diabetes among all 58 California counties. In an attempt to make its estimated 60,000 residents with diabetes aware of the many local resources available to help them deal with the disease, a dozen billboards in English and Spanish have been posted around the county directing readers to the UniteForDiabetesSJC.org website. At that website is information on numerous free classes and programs that provide education and training on preventing diabetes, managing the disease, controlling its side effects, and links to more resources, including special events and finding a physician. For questions on how to navigate the website or find a class, residents may call Vanessa Armendariz, community project manager at the San Joaquin Medical Society, at(209) 952-5299. The billboards came about through the efforts of the Diabetes Work Group, a subcommittee of San Joaquin County Public Health’s Obesity and Chronic Disease Prevention Task Force. Funding was provided through a grant from Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit Programs Division-Central Valley Area.

California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has unveiled a new consumer protection tool for California seniors, who have traditionally been prime targets for con artists. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) is hosting a new Web site www.seniors.ca.gov to educate seniors and their advocates and provide helpful information about how to avoid becoming victims of personal or financial abuse. The Web site, called Senior Gateway, is important because seniors, including older veterans, are disproportionately at risk of being preyed upon financially and subjected to neglect and abuse. The Senior Gateway is sponsored by the Elder Financial Abuse Interagency Roundtable (E-FAIR), convened by CDI and includes representatives from many California agencies who share a common purpose of safeguarding the welfare of California’s seniors. “The goal of this collaborative effort is to assemble, in one convenient location, valuable information not only for seniors, but their families and caregivers. This site will help California seniors find resources and solve problems, and will enable participating agencies to better serve this important segment of our population,” Jones said. The site offers seniors valuable tips and resources in the following areas, and more:

Avoiding and reporting abuse and neglect by in-home caregivers or in facilities; learn about different types of abuse and the warning signs.

Knowing your rights before buying insurance; what seniors need to know about annuities.

Investing wisely and understanding the ins and outs of reverse mortgages.

$5,000 Grants Help Pay for Children’s Medical Expenses

UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) is seeking grant applications from families in need of financial assistance to help pay for their child’s health care treatments, services or equipment not covered, or not fully covered, by their commercial health insurance plan. Qualifying families can receive up to $5,000 to help pay for medical services and equipment such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, counseling services, surgeries, prescriptions, wheelchairs, orthotics, eyeglasses and hearing aids. To be eligible for a grant, children must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States and have a commercial health insurance plan. Grants are available for medical expenses families have incurred 60 days prior to the date of application as well as for ongoing and future medical needs. Parents or legal guardians may apply for grants at www.uhccf.org, and there is no application deadline. Organizations or private donors can make tax-deductible donations to the foundation at this website. In 2011, UHCCF awarded more than 1,200 grants to families across the United States for treatments associated with medical conditions such as cancer, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, hearing loss, autism, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, ADHD and cerebral palsy.

Facts About Fruits and Vegetables

ONGOING

Fit Families for Life

Fit Families for Life is a weekly class for parents offered by HealthNet and held at Fathers and Families of San Joaquin, 338 E. Market St., Stockton. All parents are welcome and there is no cost to attend. Participants will learn about nutrition, cooking and exercise. Information and registration: Renee Garcia at (209) 941-0701.

Man-to-Man Prostate Cancer Support Group

First Monday of Month 7 to 9 p.m.: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, holds a support group for men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their families and caregivers. The meetings are facilitated by trained volunteers who are prostate cancer survivors. Information: Ernest Pontiflet at (209) 952-9092.

Respiratory Support Group for Better Breathing

First Tuesday of month 10 to 11 a.m.: Lodi Health’s Respiratory Therapy Department and the American Lung Association of California Valley Lode offer a free “Better Breathers’” respiratory-support group for people and their family members with breathing problems including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. Participants will learn how to cope with chronic lung disease, understand lungs and how they work and use medications and oxygen properly. The group meets at Lodi Health West, 800 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi. Pre-registration is recommended by calling (209) 339-7445. For information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at www.lodihealth.org.

The Beat Goes On Cardiac Support Group

First Tuesday of month 11 a.m. to noon: Lodi Health offers a free cardiac support group at Lodi Health West, 800 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi. “The Beat Goes On” cardiac support group is a community-based nonprofit group that offers practical tools for healthy living to heart disease patients, their families and caregivers. Its mission is to provide community awareness that those with heart disease can live well through support meetings and educational forums. Upcoming topics include exercise, stress management and nutrition counseling services. All are welcomed to attend. Information: (209) 339-7664.

Planned Childbirth Services

Tuesdays 6 to 8 p.m.: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, hosts a four-class series which answers questions and prepares mom and her partner for labor and birth. Bring two pillows and a comfortable blanket or exercise mat to each class. These classes are requested during expecting mother’s third trimester. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136 or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Say Yes to Breastfeeding

Tuesdays 6 to 8 p.m.: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, offers a class that outlines the information and basic benefits and risk management of breastfeeding. Topics include latching, early skin-to-skin on cue, expressing milk and helpful hints on early infant feeding. In addition, the hospital offers a monthly Mommy and Me-Breastfeeding support group where mothers, babies and hospital clerical staff meet the second Monday of each month. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136 or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Precious Preemies

Second Tuesday of the month, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.: Precious Preemies: A Discussion Group for Families Raising Premature Infants and Infants with Medical Concerns required registration and is held at Family Resource Network, Sherwood Executive Center, 5250 Claremont Ave., Suite 148, Stockton. Information: www.frcn.org/calendar.asp or (209) 472-3674 or (800) 847-3030.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous

Are you having trouble controlling the way you eat? Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) is a free Twelve Step recovery program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, undereating or bulimia. For more information or a list of additional meetings throughout the U.S. and the world, call (781) 932-6300 or visitwww.foodaddicts.org.

Break From Stress

Wednesdays 6 to 7 p.m.: St. Joseph’s Medical Center offers the community a break from their stressful lives with Break from Stress sessions. These sessions are free, open to the public, with no pre-registration necessary. Just drop in, take a deep breath and relax through a variety of techniques. Break from Stress sessions are held in St. Joseph’s Cleveland Classroom (behind HealthCare Clinical Lab on California Street just north of the medical center. Information: SJCancerInfo@DignityHealth.orgor (209) 467-6550.

Mother-Baby Breast Connection

Wednesdays 1 to 3 p.m.: Join a lactation consultant for support and advice on the challenges of early breastfeeding. Come meet other families and attend as often as you like. A different topic of interest will be offered each week with time for breastfeeding assistance and questions. Pre-registration is required. Call (209) 467-6331. St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Pavilion Conference Room (1st floor), 1800 N. California St., Stockton.

Adult Children With Aging Relatives

Second Wednesday of month 4:30 p.m.: Lodi Health offers an Adult Children with Aging Relatives support group at the Hutchins Street Square Senior Center. Information: (209) 369-4443 or (209) 369-6921.

Smoking Cessation Class in Lodi

Wednesdays 3 to 4 p.m.: Lodi Health offers an eight-session smoking-cessation class for those wishing to become smoke free. Classes are held weekly in the Lodi Health Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department at Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi. Topics covered include benefits of quitting; ways to cope with quitting; how to deal with a craving; medications that help with withdrawal; and creating a support system. Call the Lodi Health Lung Health Line at (209) 339-7445 to register.

Individual Stork Tours At Dameron

Wednesdays 5 to 7 p.m.: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, offers 30 minute guided tours that provide expecting parents with a tour of Labor/Delivery, the Mother-Baby Unit and an overview of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. New mothers are provided information on delivery services, where to go and what to do once delivery has arrived, and each mother can create an individual birthing plan. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Brain Builders Weekly Program

Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Lodi Health and the Hutchins Street Square Senior Center offer “Brain Builders,” a weekly program for people in the early stages of memory loss. There is a weekly fee of $25. Registration is required. Information or to register, call (209) 369-4443 or (209) 369-6921.

Infant CPR and Safety

Second Thursday of month 5 to 7 p.m.: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, offers a class to family members to safely take care of their newborn. Family members are taught infant CPR and relief of choking, safe sleep and car seat safety. Regarding infant safety, the hospital offers on the fourth Thursday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. a NICU/SCN family support group. This group is facilitated by a Master Prepared Clinical Social Worker and the Dameron NICU staff with visits from the hospital’s neonatologist. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136 or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Group Meetings for Alzheimer’s Patients, Caregivers

Thursdays 10 to 11:30 a.m.: The Alzheimer’s Aid Society of Northern California in conjunction with Villa Marche residential care facility conducts a simultaneous Caregiver’s Support Group and Patient’s Support Group at Villa Marche, 1119 Rosemarie Lane, Stockton. Caregivers, support people or family members of anyone with dementia are welcome to attend the caregiver’s group, led by Rita Vasquez. It’s a place to listen, learn and share. At the same time, Alzheimer’s and dementia patients can attend the patient’s group led by Sheryl Ashby. Participants will learn more about dementia and how to keep and enjoy the skills that each individual possesses. There will be brain exercises and reminiscence. The meeting is appropriate for anyone who enjoys socialization and is able to attend with moderate supervision. Information: (209) 477-4858.

Crystal Meth Anonymous Recovery Group

Free Diabetes Class in Spanish

Second Friday of every month: Participants will learn the basics about blood sugar monitoring, healthy foods, portion sizes, medications and self-management skills from a certified diabetic educator during this free class. St. Joseph’s Medical Center, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information and registration: (209) 461-3251. Learn more on St. Joseph’s diabetes programs at www.StJosephsCares.org/Diabetes.

National Alliance on Mental Health: Family-to-Family Education

Saturdays 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: NAMI presents a free series of 12 weekly education classes for friends and family of people with major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and co-occurring brain disorders. Classes will be held at 530 W. Acacia St., Stockton (across from Dameron Hospital) on the second floor. Information or to register: (209) 468-3755.

Big Brother/Big Sister

Second Sunday of month: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, has a one-hour class meeting designed specifically for newborn’s siblings. Topics include family role, a labor/delivery tour and a video presentation which explains hand washing/germ control and other household hygiene activities. This community service class ends with a Certification of Completion certificate. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136 or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Outpatient Program Aimed at Teens

Two programs: Adolescents face a number of challenging issues while trying to master their developmental milestones. Mental health issues (including depression), substance abuse and family issues can hinder them from mastering the developmental milestones that guide them into adulthood. The Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offered by St. Joseph’s Behavioral Health Center, 2510 N. California St., Stockton, is designed for those individuals who need comprehensive treatment for their mental, emotional or chemical dependency problems. This program uses Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to present skills for effective living. Patients learn how to identify and change distorted thinking, communicate effectively in relationships and regain control of their lives. The therapists work collaboratively with parents, doctors and schools. They also put together a discharge plan so the patient continues to get the help they need to thrive into adulthood.

For more information about this and other groups, (209) 461-2000 and ask to speak with a behavioral evaluator or visit www.StJosephsCanHelp.org.

Stork Tours in Lodi

Parents-to-be are offered individual tours of the Lodi Memorial Hospital Maternity Department, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi. Prospective parents may view the labor, delivery and recovery areas of the hospital and ask questions of the nursing staff. Phone (209) 339-7879 to schedule a tour. For more information on other classes offered by Lodi Health, visit www.lodihealth.org.

PUBLIC HEALTH

San Joaquin County Public Health Services General Information

Recorded message line at (209) 469-8200, extension 2# for English and 3# for Spanish.

For further information, individuals may call the following numbers at Public Health Services:

For general vaccine and clinic questions, call (209) 468-3862;

For medical questions, call (209) 468-3822.

Health officials continue to recommend these precautionary measures to help protect against acquiring influenza viruses:

Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol based sanitizers.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve, when you cough or sneeze.

Stay home if you are sick until you are free of a fever for 24 hours.

Get vaccinated.

Public Health Services Clinic Schedules (Adults and Children)

Immunization clinic hours are subject to change depending on volume of patients or staffing. Check the Public Health Services website for additional evening clinics or special clinics at www.sjcphs.org. Clinics with an asterisk (*) require patients to call for an appointment.

Lodi Health Center: 300 W. Oak St.; (209) 331-7303 or (800) 839-4949.

Immunizations: Friday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Tuberculosis clinic*: Friday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

HIV testing: second and fourth Friday 1:30-4 p.m.

WIC (Women, Infants & Children) Program

Does your food budget need a boost? The WIC Program can help you stretch your food dollars. This special supplemental food program for women, infants and children serves low-income women who are currently pregnant or have recently delivered, breastfeeding moms, infants, and children up to age 5. Eligible applicants receive monthly checks to use at any authorized grocery store for wholesome foods such as fruits and vegetables, milk and cheese, whole-grain breads and cereals, and more. WIC shows you how to feed your family to make them healthier and brings moms and babies closer together by helping with breastfeeding. WIC offers referrals to low-cost or free health care and other community services depending on your needs. WIC services may be obtained at a variety of locations throughout San Joaquin County:

Tracy (209) 831-5930

Flu Shots in Calaveras County

Fall brings cooler temperatures and the start of the flu season. Getting flu vaccine early offers greater protection throughout flu season. The Calaveras County Public Health Department recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get flu vaccine every year. Flu season can start as early as October and continue through March. “Seasonal flu can be serious,” said Dr. Dean Kelaita, Calaveras County health officer. “Every year people die from the flu.” Some children, youth and adults are at risk of serious illness and possibly death if they are not protected from the flu. They need to get flu vaccine now.

If you care for an infant less than 6 months or people with chronic health conditions, you can help protect them by getting your flu vaccine. Even if you had a flu vaccination last year, you need another one this year to be protected and to protect others who are at risk. The Public Health Department will offer five community flu clinics:

The flu vaccine is $16. Medicare Part B is accepted. No one will be denied service due to inability to pay. For more information about the vaccine or the clinics, contact the Public Health Department at (209) 754-6460 or visit the Public Health website at www.calaveraspublichealth.com.

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What You Need to Know About Joe’s Health Calendar

Have a health-oriented event the public in San Joaquin County should know about? Let me know at jgoldeen@recordnet.com and I’ll get it into my Health Calendar. I’m not interested in promoting commercial enterprises here, but I am interested in helping out nonprofit and/or community groups, hospitals, clinics, physicians and other health-care providers. Look for five categories: Community Events, News, Ongoing, Hospitals & Medical Groups, and Public Health. TO THE PUBLIC: I won’t list an item here from a source that I don’t know or trust. So I believe you can count on what you read here. If there is a problem, please don’t hesitate to let me know at (209) 546-8278 or jgoldeen@recordnet.com. Thanks, Joe

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Blog Author

Joe Goldeen

Joe Goldeen has been with The Record since 1990. He is an award-winning journalist and member of the California Endowment Health Journalism Fellowship. He is a native of Northern California with a bachelors degree in political economy from the ... Read Full